@TheVisionary While having a course that is not offered at one’s primary CC is certainly a benefit, this does not mean that lacking courses not offered at one’s CC makes them less competitive. Adcoms recognize that people can only really complete what is available to them. So, no, it will not be held against applicants if they cannot complete certain classes - and this holds even if completing those classes makes one more competitive.
It’s not really a claim, per se - the UC’s reiterate that point (as well as the PS being only supplemental) constantly. Naturally, it is impossible that the UC’s would refuse to provide truthful information to prospective transfers.
“I have a hard time believe that universities are truly viewing students who have not finished prereqs as equally competitive as those who have completed them with high marks simply because one college did not offer specific courses.”
If my college does not offer certain prerequisites, then they will consider my course work as it stands. They want to see how I took advantage of the resources available to me. This is rather evident, too, in the fact that the UCs want diverse students from various backgrounds to enroll. Closing the gates to students who lacked the opportunity to take certain classes is out of character.
That said, if one is an engineering applicant, and they lack all the engineering courses they need, then of course they won’t be admitted, regardless of whether they have a high GPA or not. This is attributable to the necessity for transfers to not only graduate in a timely manner, but succeed in their chosen major. In this scenario, both are unlikely. Moreover, here, being denied to lacking classes (let’s say 5+ prereqs) is not contradictory with the UCs’ point that missing courses not offered at one’s CC will not be held against you - it’s more a function of common sense.
I think there’s one CC that is missing 10 or so engineering prerequisites, which is why I brought up the example. American Feather College, or something?